The ANC has been accused of lacking sufficient internal democracy, and failing to develop the mechanisms of democracy in South Africa.
But it’s not impossible that movements working to bring about a fairer and more equitable world order could begin to turn the tide.
For a democracy to function properly, all the clever people should drown out all the dumb people with sound arguments, says Hansie Smit.
A record 200 parties, 65% more than in 2011, will contest the August 3 elections.
The more inclusive the consensus on how to manage oil resources in truly democratic
ways, the better for investors’ profit in the long term.
The Constitutional Court’s judgment on Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla demonstrates the difficulties facing the continent, argues Bheki Makhubu.
Upheaval elsewhere, and particularly when it underscores the perils and pitfalls of democracy, easily becomes frontpage news in China.
Instead of bitching about the problems, be part of the solution, says the ex-ambassador to Bapetikosweti, Evita Bezuidenhout.
Artist Meleko Mokgosi explores the ruse of democracy and the agency of individuals within it.
Across 28 countries, only 46% of citizens say they are "very satisfied" or "fairly satisfied" with the way democracy works in their countries.
The party misjudged the power of capitalism, selling out those it had pledged to free.
A free nation dare not allow the independence of the courts and the media to ever be compromised.
South Africans must stand together in multitudes to hold politicians accountable for disrespecting our democratic institutions before the whole world.
The jubilation bought about by the end of apartheid has caused us to stray from the path of reconciliation.
A far longer, rich history of Africa’s civil uprisings is often missing in the analysis of today’s protests.
Two legal experts debate the deputy chief justice’s warning about the ‘uncanny’ power the president wields.
Two legal experts debate the deputy chief justice’s warning about the ‘uncanny’ power the president wields.
Trevor Manuel says citizens must hold parliamentary and provincial members accountable for the R800m spent on them to represent their constituencies.
Although Hong Kong’s leader has indicated a concession to pro-democracy protesters, expectations remain low ahead of talks.
Hong Kong authorities have been accused of hiring thugs to disperse pro-democracy demonstrators, after dozens of masked men rushed the protesters.
A 17-year-old student activist is leading the path of Hong Kong’s fight for democracy. Let’s take a look at Joshua Wong in five pictures.
A prerequisite for dealing with corruption is the political will to do so, without any factionalism.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has asked that all who believe in democracy support the people of Hong Kong in their bid for elections.
State media says China would not give in to Hong Kong protesters’ demands for full democracy and would wait for mass protests to fizzle out.
Rising at the chance to showcase his own martial art skills, the president confirms his attendance at the Karate World Cup. The nation is thrilled.
Universities must shift their focus and explore better ways of fostering a more democratic society.
The ANC has let the most reactionary sectors of white society off the hook while chasing away those progressive and antiracist whites.
Politics aside, South Africans share aspirations for economic growth under legitimate leadership.
Nationalism on its own offers no guarantee of a democratic or progressive politics.
Society fails when we cease to care, when those in power seek to enrich themselves and when people lose trust in their leaders, writes Jay Naidoo.
Elections are difficult. So as you make your way to your designated voting stations, here are nine things to remember when casting your vote.
Mac Maharaj responds to the M&G’s report on his mooted role.